The Miami Marlins Foundation is an organization that works for the youth to have success not just in sports but with academics and life. They envision a community where all youth prosper through wellness and empowerment, having the opportunity to thrive.

There are three main pillars that the organization thrives on. They are Wellness, Empowerment, and youth baseball and softball.

• Wellness

  • “Our wellness programs address challenges that students face with achieving academic success, food security, healthy eating habits and fitness.”

• Empowerment

  • “Our empowerment programs provide college scholarships, leadership development and educational resources.”

• Youth Baseball and Softball

  • “Our Youth Baseball & Softball programs promote well-being, proper nutrition, and support social and emotional learning that builds champions on and off the field. Our programs provide character development and create leadership opportunities for youth of all abilities.”

Two Up2Us Sports VISTAs that work for the organization are Emma Quarequio and Jamie Ribeiro. They have worked for the Miami Marlins for multiple years and have been doing great work. I interviewed them both to see what makes the organization special and why they do what they do.

Emma Quarequio

Up2Us Sports VISTA

Why did you choose the Miami Marlins?

The Miami Marlins have been a part of my life since I was a little girl— my first baseball game was a [Florida] Marlins game! Your community and the people within it play a part in shaping the person you grow into, so I felt it necessary to perform work that actively creates positive change within my hometown. 

What makes this organization special?

The Miami Marlins Foundation holds close the pillars of Wellness, Empowerment, and Youth Baseball and Softball at the core of all of their work. I am a firm believer in utilizing unconventional settings, such as baseball fields, as vessels for education and inclusion. The Miami Marlins organization is one which works tirelessly to envision and subsequently develop a world in which athleticism, professionalism, and academic prowess act as invaluable tools to cultivate a better tomorrow. 

How have you evolved in your role compared to last year?

I have certainly taken on more responsibilities and been entrusted with orchestrating entire events for the Foundation on my own. Simultaneously, I have been fortunate enough to strengthen the connections between myself and my colleagues within the Foundation whilst learning the ins and outs of sports philanthropy from them.  

Favorite project you have been involved in?

This summer, I had the privilege of taking the lead on an event for the Miami Marlins Foundation. Covering the Bases: Careers in Professional Sports was a panel designed to educate youth from the Greater Miami Area about careers in the sports realm that happen off of the field. With panelists from Baseball Operations, Ballpark Operations, Communications, Marketing, Sales, and Information Technology, our team was able to provide unparalleled insight into the world of professional athletics from a front office perspective. 

Jamie Ribeiro

Up2Us Sports VISTA

Why did you choose the Miami Marlins?

I chose the Miami Marlins because I have always been a huge baseball fan and thought it would be a super interesting experience. In the past I have worked with collegiate baseball as an athletic trainer and thought this would be a great opportunity to be able to learn the business side of major league baseball.

What makes this organization special?

What makes this organization so special is the culture and dynamic. No matter a person’s title we are all on the same team and willing to help one another. From the first day I started, I felt supported by everyone around me. 

Why did you choose to become a full year VISTA?

Giving back and volunteering has been a big part of my life and being a part of an organization that also values that has been incredible. In the short time I have been here, I have been able to see and be a part of the impact we have in our communities. Going into the year term, I am super excited to see what plans we have for the future. 

Favorite project you have been involved in?

My favorite project that I have been involved in is our Wood Bat Championship. During the summer we have three leagues: our Softball, Junior and Senior RBI teams. Our RBI program is an invitational sport-based program designed to grow the games and promote interest in academic achievement and social responsibility in underserved areas of South Florida. This program offers free, instructional and competitive summer baseball and fast pitch softball for youth ages 13-18. We host the championship for out baseball teams here at LoanDepot Park, so being able to be a part of the process of getting it organized, set up and hosting it was a great learning experience. Being able to see how excited the kids were to play on a professional field was also so rewarding. 

The Miami Marlins foundation does great work for its kids and community. Jamie and Emma have been working hard for this organization for multiple years and keep coming back because of all the great work it does.

To learn more about the organization visit their website https://www.mlb.com/marlins/community/foundation